Now in it’s seventh year of existence the Thanksgiving Hoopfest is one of the premier holiday events in the basketball season. With 15 games on tap at Duncanville High School, the event is the perfect stage to see some Lone Star State hoops. Here are the five things our Justin Young is looking forward to seeing at the showcase.

1. De’Aaron Fox of Cy Lakes vs. Andrew Jones of Irving McArthur. This is the heavyweight match-up everyone wants to see. Fox, the best point guard in high school basketball, against one of the biggest summer risers in HS hoops in Jones. This is Houston vs. Dallas – and that’s a huge deal in Texas. This is Kentucky star against one of the best available guards in the country. For the record, Jones is considering Texas, Arizona, Baylor, Kansas and Louisville. The two go head-to-head on Saturday night at 9 p.m.

2. Jones will have his hands full at this event. The 6-foot-4 combo guard will play Trae Young on Saturday. Young, a major scorer from Norman (OK) North High School, is one of the best juniors in high school basketball. This match-up will be equally fun to the Fox-Jones heavyweight card on Saturday night.

3. Like Jones, Young comes to town with major match-ups waiting for him. The Oklahoman will face talented 2017 guard C.J. Roberts of Richland on Saturday.

4. There are a number of talented underclassmen at this event and a host of teams rich with rosters that should produce some story starters. In a state rich with talent like Texas, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a half dozen players play their way into the conversation over the course of two days.  

5. I grew up in Dallas, Texas and graduated from South Grand Prairie High School a long, long time ago. When I went to school there we were competitive under the great Brad Chasteen but we were never good enough to get over the hump. So, to return to Dallas and see the Warriors suit up and boast a team of promise and talent, I’m excited to get back. This will mark the first time I have ever watched my alma mater play basketball since I attended the school over 20 years ago. I’ve evaluated teams from all over the country but never SGP. I can’t express how cool that is for an old, grizzled hoop head like myself. 

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